A ceasefire must be immediately achieved, says Palestinian ambassador

The Palestinian ambassador to the UN in Geneva emphasised the urgent need for an immediate cease-fire as the primary objective in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Ibrahim Khraishi expressed his frustration with the lack of wise leaders in finding peaceful solutions to global challenges, particularly in the Middle East. He called on the international community to fulfill their obligations under international law.

During a briefing at the UN office in Geneva, Khraishi highlighted the importance of taking immediate action. This includes calling for a cease-fire, ensuring emergency humanitarian access and assistance, restoring basic necessities in Gaza, condemning Israel’s attacks on Palestinian civilians and infrastructure, condemning the total siege of Gaza, and addressing Israel’s actions and remarks that amount to ethnic cleansing and incitement to genocide.

Khraishi also urged states to impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel and end impunity for Israel’s violations of international law. He expressed disappointment in the lack of calls for a cease-fire from European countries and criticized their statements supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.

Regarding the recent decision by Switzerland to consider Hamas a terrorist group, Khraishi disagreed and stated that Hamas is not a terrorist organization for Palestine. He suggested that Switzerland and other countries should consider listing Israeli officials on the terrorist list and recognize Israel as an occupying power.

Khraishi also expressed the desire for the release of hostages from both sides and called on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk to verify the list of Israeli victims, as the Palestinian side does not trust the Israeli authorities.

The conflict in Gaza began with Hamas initiating Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military responded with a bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.